Barran Temple, Ancient religious complex in Marib, Yemen.
Barran Temple is an ancient religious complex in Marib featuring six tall stone columns that surround a sacred well positioned in the center of the main courtyard. The structure comprises multiple courtyards enclosed by brick walls and stands approximately 600 meters from the Awam Temple.
The complex was built in the 10th century BCE and served the Sabaean civilization as a major religious center dedicated to the moon god Almaqah. This early foundation makes it evidence of Marib's development as a spiritual hub of the ancient Arabian world.
The inscriptions on the temple walls reflect the religious beliefs of the Sabaean community and show which deities were honored here. Visitors can still see these carved texts today, gaining a sense of how central this site was to ancient worship practices.
The site is easiest to explore during dry weather, as the unpaved paths and open courtyards offer little shelter from the sun. Comfortable shoes and water are important when walking through the colonnades and different areas.
Behind the columns lies a broad platform where researchers believe the legendary throne of Queen Bilqis once stood. This area reveals how important the location was for the highest rulers of the ancient region.
Location: Marib Governorate
Part of: Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba, archaeological site of Marib
GPS coordinates: 15.40321,45.34312
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01
Yemen offers photographers subjects ranging from the ancient mud architecture of Sanaa to volcanic craters and the geological formations of Socotra. The Old City of Sanaa presents multi-story tower houses decorated with white gypsum patterns, while Shibam in Hadhramaut displays mud-brick high-rises dating from the 16th century. The fortress of Kawkaban sits atop a high plateau, the village of Hababah demonstrates traditional mountain architecture, and Shaharah Bridge connects two mountain peaks at an elevation exceeding 8,500 feet (2,600 meters). Socotra features Detwah Lagoon, dragon blood trees and limestone caves within its distinct ecosystem. The crater of Haradha Damt is an extinct volcano near Damt, the Marib Dam represents Sabaean engineering from antiquity, and the ruins of Arsh Balqis mark an ancient temple site. Wadi Dawan cuts through Hadhramaut with palm groves and mud villages, Jabal al-Nabi Shu'ayb reaches 12,028 feet (3,666 meters) as the highest peak on the Arabian Peninsula, and Zabid preserves its role as a historic center of Islamic scholarship. Sira Fortress in Aden occupies a volcanic rock above the harbor, Dar al-Hajar in Wadi Dhahr is an 18th-century palace built on a rock outcrop, and Al Saleh Mosque in Sanaa dates from 2008.
Marib Dam
10.7 km
Ghumdan Palace
121.3 km
Dar al-Hajar
130.8 km
Jabal An-Nabi Shu'ayb
147.2 km
Great Mosque of Sana'a
121.2 km
Landmarks of the Ancient Kingdom of Saba
33 m
Shaharah Bridge
195.6 km
Yemen Gate
121.1 km
Queen Arwa Mosque
209.3 km
Sanctuary of the Queen of Sheba
1.4 km
Sirwah
35.3 km
National Museum of Yemen
122.2 km
Palace of Queen Arwa
209.1 km
Al-Bakiriyya Mosque
121.2 km
Shibam-Kawkaban
154.8 km
Al-Hadi Mosque
240.2 km
Al-Mahdi Mosque
121.8 km
Yemen Military Museum
122.3 km
Kaminahu
112 km
Talha Mosque
121.5 km
Salah al-Din Mosque
121.5 km
الحديقة المائية الترفيهية
127.7 km
Ancient Dam of Ma’rib
8.3 km
Ma’rib Ancient Historical Old City
2.8 km
Archaeological site of Marib
1.8 km
Almaqah Temple
35.2 km
Wādī Itima
191.3 km
Haradha
162.9 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes